Stress and anxiety are closely linked, but they manifest in different ways in the body and mind. While encountering a stressful situation, the body initiates a stress response, often referred to as the “fight-or-flight” response.
Short-lived stress resolves after the removal of the stressor, while prolonged stress can escalate into anxiety, creating a cycle where anxiety exacerbates stress and vice versa.
Stress triggers physical symptoms like muscle tension, digestive issues, headaches, and an increased heart rate as the body responds to perceived threats or challenges.
Understanding stress and anxiety mechanisms can lead to the development of effective strategies to manage and reduce their impact on overall well-being.
How Handicraft help in managing Stress?
Dr. Cathy Malchiodi, a leading figure in art therapy, Her work has helped establish crafting as a legitimate form of therapy and that creative activities, including handicrafts that can be used in therapeutic settings to help individuals process trauma, reduce stress, and improve overall mental health in her book “The Art Therapy Sourcebook.” (McGraw Hill Publications).
Dr. Betsan Corkhill‘s study on knitting found that with over 3,500 knitters- 81% reported feeling happier after knitting, and many found it helpful in coping with anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, highlighting knitting as a therapeutic form that promotes relaxation and mood improvement.
How do Knitting, Crocheting and other handicrafts promote relaxation?
Distraction from Stressors:
When hands and minds are occupied with needles or hooks, creating something, it’s easier to avoid dwelling on worries or negative thoughts.
Mindfulness and Relaxation:
The repetitive and rhythmic motions can induce a meditative state. This focus helps calm the mind, allowing you to be in present and disengage from stressful thoughts, similar to the effects of deep breathing exercises used in meditation.
Creative Expression:
Crafts offer creative expression through color choices, patterns, and design, serving as an emotional outlet for non-verbal emotional processing.
Sense of Accomplishment:
Completing a painting, pottery, crochet or knitting project offers a tangible sense of achievement, boosts mood and self-esteem, and counteracts stress or anxiety. The stitch-by-stitch progress is satisfying.
Men Celebrities who can Knit
These celebrities have embraced these traditionally feminine crafts, showing that knitting, can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of gender.
These actors not only excel in their craft of acting but also enjoy engaging in creative hobbies like knitting.
List of Stress-Relieving Handicrafts
- Knitting
- Crocheting
- Macramé
- Quilling
- Origami
- Kirigami
- Making Paper Flowers
- Pottery
- Painting
- Sculpting
Sum up
Knitting, crocheting and other handicraft activities are powerful tools for managing stress and anxiety. They are a combination of creativity, mindfulness, and physical engagement to calm mental stress and promote mental well-being. Taking these crafts into your routine can create a peaceful way to navigate stress and enhance your overall quality of life.
Keanu Reeves also found knitting in metro👍
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